VOLUNTARY RATIONING.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is in a position to state if and to what extent the public have responded to the Government's appeal to reduce the consumption of food by the voluntary rationing system; and whether he is prepared to state that, unless an adequate diminution of the amount of food bought proves that this is being done, he will forthwith introduce a system of food tickets or some other compulsory measure?

Captain BATHURST

The response, so far as returns are available, shows an in-creasing disposition on the part of the public to accept the voluntary rationing scale indicated in the Food Controller's appeal. As already stated, if and when compulsory rationing becomes necessary the scheme already formulated will be put into operation.